Is that so, Thomas?
THOMAS. [Sullenly.] Yes. Roberts will not pe coming, his wife is
dead.
SCANTLEBURY. Yes, yes! Poor woman! Yes! Yes!
FROST. [Entering from the hall.] Mr. Harness, Sir!
[As HARNESS enters he retires.]
[HARNESS has a piece of paper in his hand, he bows to the
Directors, nods towards the men, and takes his stand behind the
little table in the very centre of the room.]
HARNESS. Good evening, gentlemen.
[TENCH, with the paper he has been writing, joins him, they
speak together in low tones.]
WILDER. We've been waiting for you, Harness. Hope we shall come to
some----
FROST. [Entering from the hall.] Roberts!
[He goes.]
[ROBERTS comes hastily in, and stands staring at ANTHONY. His
face is drawn and old.]
ROBERTS. Mr. Anthony, I am afraid I am a little late, I would have
been here in time but for something that--has happened. [To the
men.] Has anything been said?
THOMAS. No! But, man, what made ye come?
ROBERTS. Ye told us this morning, gentlemen, to go away and
reconsider our position. We have reconsidered it; we are here to
bring you the men's answer. [To ANTHONY.] Go ye back to London.
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